Officials with the Home Builders Association of Fargo-Moorhead say while housing development remains robust in the Fargo-Moorhead region, the ability to sustain growth will hinge on developing permanent flood protection. Immediate Past-President Clay Dietrich says the Red River diversion would not create a large area for development of housing, but without the project there would be greater limits...
“A community that doesn’t have the ability to offer all types of housing and all types of opportunities to people is at a disadvantage to every place else.”
Dietrich says the region is vibrant and growing on all levels. He says while it is important to look at issues like urban sprawl and in-filling established neighborhoods, there is still a need to meet the needs of a growing community…
“What we look at from the Builder’s standpoint is that each community needs everything for everybody at what point in life they’re in. So if you’re a young family with kids you probably don’t want to live downtown on Broadway in a concrete jungle.”
Dietrich says if permanent flood protection is not advanced the community faces the risk of seeing increased premiums for flood insurance and diminished property values.
